Monday, December 28, 2009

Keller Williams Realty Ranked as Top Real Estate Franchise by Industry Leader and Entrepreneur Magazine

AUSTIN, TEXAS (December 21, 2009) — Keller Williams Realty joined the ranks of the top franchises in the world last week, when the company was ranked as the No. 1 real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list by Entrepreneur magazine. During the same week, the company was also voted the Most Recognizable Brand of Real Estate Franchises for 2009 in an industry-wide survey for the Swanepoel TRENDS Report.

“The Swanepoel TRENDS Report is a respected source for the real estate industry and beyond, as is Entrepreneur magazine, and we are excited to see our agents honored in this way for all of their hard work,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Keller Williams Realty. “We certainly wouldn’t have been included on either list without the dedication and resolve of our agents.”

According to the ranking in Entrepreneur magazine, the most important criteria to determine the top franchises included financial strength and stability, as well as growth rate and size of the franchise system. The magazine also looked at the number of years the company has been in business and the length of time it’s been franchising, in addition to start-up costs and financial data. Additionally, Keller Williams Realty made an impressive showing on the overall list, placing higher than any other real estate franchise.

The Swanepoel TRENDS Report is published by Stefan Swanepoel, a real estate industry speaker and insider. The survey was crafted to determine the Most Recognizable Brand for Real Estate Franchises for his report out in February 2010. The survey included votes cast by 11,000 plus real estate agents, who cast 390,000 votes to select the top 10.

Earlier in the year,Keller Williams Realty also received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms from J.D. Power and Associates for the second year in a row.

“We are extremely proud that our associates and company are being recognized for our strength and stability during this time in our industry,” said Mary Tennant, president and COO, Keller Williams Realty. “We attribute our success to being in business with phenomenal people and to our core business models, which have allowed our franchises to thrive during any market.”

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Don't discount the tax credit yet!

Last week, after the Senate gave its final and fully supportive approval on the homebuyer tax credit extension, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to pass the legislation, sending the tax credit to President Obama who's final sign-off on Friday made it official.


The $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, which was slated to expire Nov. 30, 2009, will be extended for contracts signed before May 1, 2010 that close before July 1, 2010.



First-time buyers, who are in the process of closing now, no longer have to worry about qualifying for the $8,000 tax credit if they do end up closing after the Nov. 30 deadline.

The new legislation also increases the income limit for couples with income up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the current level.


Buyers who already own a home are also now eligible for a tax credit and the purchase of a home. The $6,500 maximum credit will be available to existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years.



The legislation does set forth several provision including, limiting eligibility for existing homeowners to homes worth $800,000 or less, as well as making both credits available only for primary residences, not second homes or investment properties. The legislation will take effect November 7, 2009 and is not retroactive.



Call The Clark Team TODAY... And Let's get you some Deservered Tax Credit!!!!
317.345.4582
swclarkjr@yahoo.com

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Certified as an ASP

So I recently took a two day class to get my license in Home Staging!! I loved the class. It gave me so much valuable information to share with our Sellers! The tools that we can now offer our Sellers WILL HELP SELL THEIR HOMES FASTER!!!! And isn't that the point :)

On the second day of class we were able to put our education into practice, and it was A LOT of hard work, but very rewarding to see the end results. Check out the Photos below!
The class was broken up into teams and every team was given a room to work on. My team worked on the Living Room. We had a ZERO dollar budget and worked with what this gentlemen had within his home.

Let me know what you think! (warning.... I have been working forever to get these titles to line up with the photos, but as you can see.... No Such Luck :( so hopefully you can figure out the Before/After photos !!)

Living Room Before










Living Room After
















Family Room Before

















Family Room After




































Master Bathroom Before
















Master Bathroom After


















Master Bedroom Before
















Master Bedroom After

















Tuesday, October 13, 2009

New Carmelaire Listing

379 Carmelaire
Wow! Beautiful townhome w/finished basement located in the heart of Carmel! Large rooms, kitchen features breakfast bar, walk-in pantry & opens to dining area that overlooks patio & mature trees! Upstairs Master w/ sitting area & 2 closets, 2nd bdrm w/ walkin closet. Basement has family room & large mechanical storage area. Nice updates include laminate flooring, fixtures, carpet & paint. 2 patios & 2 car garage too! Amazing location! Walk to local restaurants, stores & the Carmel Art District!




Offered at $104,900

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Indianapolis Is America's Most Affordable Place To Live!

Indianapolis boasts one of the country's most famous Racetracks, the largest Children's Museum in the world, and was the setting for the 2005 drama Close To Home!
That's exactly what residents might want to do- Remain Here- during these touch economic times. Forbes rated our 1.7 million-population
metro area as the country's #1 most Desirable Places To Live, based on measures of housing affordability, unemployment and cost of living.
There, 94.8% of homes are affordable to families earning the median income for the area, and unemployment is relatively low 8.2% (the national rate has grown to 9.4%)


To see the entire article click here

Go Indy!!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Top Money Making Must-Do Items Before Selling!

Tackling these basic, inexpensive improvements will help your home stand out from the crowd in a difficult market and net you more money at closing!
By Steve Clark


5. Repairs, repairs...you know what they are!

This is the time to stop putting off fixing the dragging door, broken window seal, leaky faucet, toilet that runs 24/7, and to just take care of it! Buyers will notice these repairs that need to be made and they will wonder what the heck else you haven't fixed! It immediately devalues your home and distracts the buyer from what is most important, your beautiful home! Also, these types of items will come up on inspection, so take care of it now! Call Gus Bryan w/ Residential Repair Service today! 317-345-3109

4. Time to paint!

So lime green is your favorite color and takes you back to your favorite memories in the 80's, however it is now 2009 and you don't know if the Buyer walking through will agree with you! Paint is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to improve how your home shows. Neutral is the way to go. That doesn't mean you have to have beige everywhere, but you want to stay away from the dark colors which make rooms feel smaller or the extreme colors that only you and your spouse could possibly like. Make your house feel fresh and new and you will be rewarded 10 fold! Need help, Call Sean Hadden w/ Sean Hadden Painting today! 317-538-1530

3. Carpet!!!

You have lived in your home for a number of years and you have gotten used to the pee stain in the corner, or the mud spots from little Timmy, or the mauve carpet in the living room, unfortunately Buyers walking in will not be used to it and will be turned off! You want your carpet to smell and look new! For minimal spots try spot cleaner, but most will need to have their carpet professionally cleaned. If your carpet is too far gone, it is time to replace it! It is always better to replace it then to offer an allowance or to just see what happens. The Buyers view is that it will cost about twice as much as what it will actually cost you, which costs you money and potentially the Buyer all together. Most want move in ready homes and also can't picture what it will look like. They need to see it to believe it!

2. Declutter!

Yes, you need to continue living in your home, but you have to embrace the future and your next home and mentally and physically move on from your current home. The family portraits on every wall, the fridge covered in photos and drawings, the signed lifesize poster of Shaq, it needs to come down! These items while all great, distract Buyers from what you are selling, your home! Removing furniture from over stuffed rooms will make the space feel larger and more open. Boxing up off season clothes will make the closets seem larger. Tideing up the garage will show off the space rather than the lack of it. Think model home - that is the goal!

1. And Of Course Call THE CLARK TEAM, to give you guidence and assist you with all of the other needs that will come your way 317-345-4582 !!

Monday, September 21, 2009

New Look and New Price!

The "New" Allenwood Ct
with a new price of $159,900




This is a stand out!
Stick-built spacious open floorplan Ranch with
basement & on cul-de-sac with a large private yard!
You will love the openness of great room, kitchen, dining & breakfast nook ALL with cathedral ceilings! 3 bedrooms + a sunroom with french doors has space for everyone. The huge 2 level deck & near 1/2 ac fenced in yard is to be desired. Basement leaves lots of options.
Master bath features a garden tub, sep shower, walk-in closet & skylight!
Move-In Ready with brand new carpet & neutral paint.
And don't forget the new price of $159,900!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Why Calling a Realtor (namely The Clark Team) should be your FIRST MOVE!!

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.


But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:


1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.


2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.


3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?


4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.


5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.


6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.


7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.


8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.


9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.


10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.


12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Harbour Club Condo Amazing Makeover!!

Beautiful & calming masterbedroom that over looks the lake!

Gorgeous brand new granite countertops and fridge

New hardwood floors in the entry

A fresh netural wallcolor gives a peaceful and inviting feeling to your Beautiful New Living Space

To view the entire tour click on the link below

http://www.tourfactory.com/514528


Monday, August 17, 2009

New Logo, and New Photos

We have a LOGO, and it only took like 5 years for us to choose which one we wanted to go with :) But now we have it and we think it looks FANTASTIC!!!




We want to give a HUGE thank you to Stephanie and Wade Carignan for designing many many wonderful logos for us to choose from, and for being patient with our "thoughtful process"





Also our Condo in Harbour Club just had a HUGE Makeover and it is now Georgeous-- There will be new photos coming soon so stay tuned !

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Uptrend Continues in Pending Home Sales

Here is more good news about the real estate market. Trying to judge where the bottom is, is difficult but it seems that we have hit it and are beginning to bounce back! A combination of interest rates being so low, house prices down, and the $8,000 first time homebuyer credit (WHICH BY THE WAY ENDS DECEMBER 1ST!!!) is all contributing to pushing people off the fence and being comfortable with living, buying, and selling again. Read below for the official story:

Washington, August 04, 2009

Pending home sales are up for the fifth consecutive month, the first time in six years for such a streak, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in June, rose 3.6 percent to 94.6 from an upwardly revised reading of 91.3 in May, and is 6.7 percent above June 2008 when it was 88.7. The last time there were five consecutive monthly gains was in July 2003.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said a combination of positive market factors is fueling the gains. “Historically low mortgage interest rates, affordable home prices and large selection are encouraging buyers who’ve been on the sidelines. Activity has been consistently much stronger for lower priced homes,” he said. “Because it may take as long as two months to close on a home after signing a contract, first-time buyers must act fairly soon to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit because they must close on the sale by November 30.”

To read the rest of this story click HERE

Saturday, July 25, 2009

CLASSIC STONE COUNTER TOPS





Classic Stone is a custom stone fabrication and installation company established in 2004. As a full service natural stone company they are able to offer competitive pricing and total solutions for all your quartz, granite and marble project needs.


They take various internal measures to ensure their customers complete satisfaction. They use the latest technology and machinery for both measurement and fabrication, ensuring quick and reliable turnaround times, accurate measurements, overall quality and ease of installation.


Classic Stone is a recent recipient of Angie's List's Super Service Award for 2008 and a member in good standing with BAGI, NKBA and many other industry organizations.

To find out more check out their website at : http://www.classicstonellc.com/index.php

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

What is Home Staging?

Home staging is the process of preparing your home to sell quickly and to maximize its value.
By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, staging ensures that your home will appeal to the broadest number of potential buyers.

HOW DOES HOME STAGING WORK?

The staging process begins with an in-home consultation where we’ll discuss the overall appearance and marketability of your home - starting at the curb. We’ll focus on landscape, exterior maintenance, lighting, and well-defined walkways.

Once inside, we’ll go room by room evaluating space and giving consideration to furniture, color, decor, and the overall condition of your home. We’ll also talk about room functionality and traffic flow. At the end of this initial meeting, you’ll have a good understanding of key staging opportunities for your home.

Details make a difference, and we can give you suggestions that will make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Some changes are simple and can be made easily, and you’ll be ready to get your home on the market right away. Sometimes, however, a home may need more attention and may require additional services including furniture arrangement, accessorizing, new color choices, trade referrals, or personal shopping. We’ll discuss these options and determine the best approach to work within your budget and time frame.

WHAT CAN HOME STAGING DO FOR YOUR HOME?
• Accentuate your home’s best features
• Address furniture placement to enhance spaciousness and traffic flow
• Provide ideas for updating your home through color and finish choices
• Identify and remove clutter
• Enhance curb appeal and interior first impressions to hold buyers’ interest

WHY IS HOME STAGING IMPORTANT?
The way we live in our home everyday is not the same way we want to present our home for sale. It is important, yet often difficult, for a home owner to separate the two. Using an experienced home stager can help you transform your home into a place that potential buyers will want to call their own.

Just Another Way The Clark Team Can Help Serve You With All Your Real Estate Needs!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Looking for a Fantastic Condo in Harbour Club?


Well we've got one where you can have a view like this while enjoying your morning coffee while sitting on your deck!






This Beautiful, move-in ready 2 bedroom condo is PRICED BELOW VALUE!
Brand New gorgeous Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors!
Master Suite & second bedroom are both spacious & have walk-in closets!
Incredible value & LOTS of updates!
New windows & fresh paint, water heater in '08, A/C & furnace '05, new fixtures,
updated baths & nickel hardware!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Praise God for DIRECTION



As of last friday Steve and I have decided to make the move to Keller Williams Realty, and we are THRILLED!! There is so much that God is doing in our lives right now and I am so blessed to have someone who knows our journey better then we do!

I know I will have much more to share soon but until then enjoy this pretty little ladybug instead

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

JUST SOLD


CONGRATS NINA
WE HOPE YOU LOVE YOUR NEW HOME!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Cute, Move-In-Ready Ranch! ~ $125,000

This well kept 2 bedroom home has what you are looking for! Vaulted large Great Rm w/a wood burning fireplace & brand new maintenance free laminate flooring! The large eat-in-kitchen also has vaulted ceilings, pantry, work station, new hardware & flooring too! Master bdrm is open as well & has a walk-in closet & full bath. The 2nd bedroom even features a California Closet! One of the larger zero lots in the neighborhood on a Cul-de-Sac! New roof in '07! Great location across from Sahm Park!


Here are just a few photos to get you interested! Please check out the TOUR for more photos and details


Welcome home! Great location on Cul-de-Sac with zero line lot!

Huge open Great Room, with BRAND NEW laminate flooring!

Every room is vaulted! The second bedroom has a California Closet!

One of the larger lots in the neighborhood! Great trees and privacy!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Developer gains OK to build smaller homes near 98th Street, Westfield Boulevard

The Carmel City Council approved new plans for more affordable and smaller homes in a housing development that will soon start taking shape at 98th Street and Westfield Boulevard.


Pittman Partners will begin work on Aramore, a 27.4-acre development, in October.
In 2006, Pittman Partners received approval from the council to build 150 three-story townhomes and 70 condominiums, said Nick Churchill, Pittman vice president of land development. But since then, market trends and the economy have changed, and the developer realized empty nesters are seeking smaller, more affordable houses.

The developer's newly approved plan now includes 26 bungalow and cottage-style detached single-family homes in at least one portion of the development, Churchill said. The single- and two-story homes would range from 800 square feet, not including garage space, to 2,200 square feet, including extra storage.
The council voted 6-0 in favor of the changes Monday night. Councilman Joe Griffiths was not at the council meeting.
Churchill said he hopes homes will start at $175,000, which pleased many of the council members. The company will likely start work on the development in October. Lots should be available in the fall and homes in the spring, Churchill said.



Article from Indianapolis Star : June 18th 2009

It's for real this time!

Why I decided to start this new real estate blog, right after having my third child is beyond me... but I did it and I am glad and now that the dust has setteled.... well kind of..... I am much more capable of keeping up with this blog and I am so Excited!! I have so many thoughts for this site and I am so excited to share them with you.... which means I am assuming their is still a "you" out there (thanks mom!)

So back to Real Estate for Indy

This isn't exactly "real estate", but Estridge sent this e-mail out and I thought I should pass it along

ENJOY!

ESTRIDGE EVENTS:

Friday Night ARTIST Spotlight at HOMExperienceFriday Evenings beginning June 19th, 6pm to 8pm Enjoy live music and painting, browse artwork from local artists and enjoy gourmet cheese and wine.

HOMExperience Cooking Class: Late Supper Summer GrillingThursday, June 25, 6pm to 8pm, Class Fee: $40 - Enjoy and learn to prepare delectable dishes for your summer grilling that will make your barbecues the talk of the neighborhood. Sip a glass of wine while you collect grilling tips through hands-on experience and take in gourmet grillling at its finest.
Late Supper Summer Grilling Menu Includes: Barbecue Bacon Shrimp Skewers, Brazilian Steak with Grilled Pineapple Rum Salsa, Confetti Salad, Key Lime Dessert
Space is limited, call 317/669.8600 or visit HOMExperience to reserve yours today.

Neighborhood Appreciation Week at Rock Bridge Saturday, June 20, 1pm to 6pmVisit Rock Bridge and enjoy free pizza, meet neighbors and learn about the gorgeous new home designs under construction.


And I promise I am currently working on an oh so thrilling post that will be coming soon....so Stay Tuned!!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

We Are Still Alive

And still working it in Real Estate!!! Just a little behind in the blogging world--- But now that my beautiful new nephew is here.......
.....I am ready to kick it back into gear

Steve just listed a Beautiful new piece of land on the East side of Carmel. It is very rare to find anything around an acre on this side of town.... But we now have an acre for sale
Give us a call, we would love to show you this FANTASTIC PIECE OF PROPERTY!!
We will be posting more soon

Monday, March 16, 2009

An Awesome Opportunity

I have always LOVED Extreme Makeover Home Edition, and always said that if given the chance I would love to be on the show as a volunteer.

And now not only do I have this chance but so do YOU!!

Estridge is partnering with the ABC show and will be giving one deserving Indianapolis family and new home for their Season Finale Show

Click on the link below to find out more information :)

http://www.estridgeextremedream.com/